CIPROBAY

Generic name: Ciprofloxacin
Product Brand Name: Ciprobay
Product Manufacturer: Bayer (Germany)

1. Description: Ciprobay is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; gonorrhea; infectious diarrhea; typhoid fever; inhalational anthrax (after exposure); and bone, joint, skin, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Cipro also is used to treat patients with cystic fibrosis who have lung infections. It also is used to treat some malignant ear infections and tuberculosis (TB). Cipro may be used with another medicine to treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Cipro was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in patients who have been exposed to the inhaled form of anthrax.

2. Ciprobay is Prescribed for: Ciprois used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Cipro is also frequently used to treat urinary infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli. Cipro is effective in treating infectious diarrheas caused by E. coli, campylobacter jejuni, and shigella bacteria.

3. Drug Mechanism: Cipro is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Cipro works by interfering with an enzyme that allows bacteria to reproduce. This enzyme interference halts the growth of bacteria and eventually leads to death of the bacteria.

4. Dosage Form: Cipro may be taken with or without food. Cipro is partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Dosages require adjustment in patients with severely abnormal liver or kidney function. Antacids block the absorption of ciprofloxacin and they should not be taken together.

5. Drug Interactions: Cipro administered together with theophylline can lead to elevated blood levels of theophylline. Theophylline is used to open airways in the treatment of asthma. Toxic levels of theophylline can lead to seizures, and disturbances in heart rhythm. If concurrent use of ciprofloxacin and theophylline cannot be avoided, frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline blood levels are performed. Cipro should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have been reported in patients receiving this medication. Cipro should be avoided in children and adolescents under 18 years old, as safe use in these patients have not been established.
Many antibiotics, including Cipro, can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacteria responsible for the development of inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Pseudomembranous colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes even shock. Patients taking ciprofloxacin can develop sensitivity of the skin to direct sunlight. Cipro can enhance the action of the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), and increase the risk of bleeding.

6. Pregnancy: Cipro should be avoided in pregnancy, as safe use in these patients have not been established.

7. Nursing Mothers: Cipro should be avoided in nursing mothers, as safe use in these patients have not been established.

8. Dietary and Alcohol Considerations: Do not take Cipro with dairy products such as milk or yogurt alone. If you have dairy products as part of a meal, you may take Cipro with the meal. Drink at least eight full glasses of water or other liquid every day. Do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate. Cipro increases nervousness, sleeplessness, heart pounding, and anxiety caused by caffeine.

9. Uses: This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

10. How to use: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using ciprofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication may be taken with or without food, usually twice a day in the morning and evening or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Take this medication 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking any medications or antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, antacids, dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, and sucralfate. Other products include bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. These medications/products bind with ciprofloxacin and prevent its full absorption. However, this medication may be taken with dairy products or calcium-enriched juice as part of a meal because food helps prevent this effect.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about safely using nutritional supplements/replacements with this medication.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. It is important not to miss a dose. To help you remember and to keep the drug at a constant level, take it at the same times every day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

11. Possible Side Effects: The most frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, headache, and restlessness. Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as hives and anaphylaxis (shock).

12. Storage: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Ciprofloxacin should be stored at below 30°C (86°F) and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep away from light. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

13. Package Size and Type: Tablets: 250mg, 500mg. Tablets Ciprobay.

Before starting to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.